Day 1

Saturday 4th July 2015

After going to the first meeting in April 2014, many more meetings; and attending numerous fundraising events for Habitat, the first day of our trip has finally arrived. Today's agenda; about 22 hours of travelling to get from Belfast, to Addis Ababa.

Having had no disciplined bed time for the last 2 weeks, getting up at 5:00 am was a big challenge for many of us- and some we're up even earlier than that!!  The team was in very high spirits for our departure, everyone sporting our unmistakable lime green hoodies on the corner of Glengall street so it was very easy to find everyone. We made good time on the bus down (no doubt driven on by Tom's tunes) and arrived at Dublin at 8:30 before having some breakfast, and making our way through the airport very smoothly to our gate. 

Saying goodbye to Ireland on a drizzly day was very easy, but parting with our usual luxuries will be more difficult. This was delayed by two of the most comfortable flights I have ever been on, including an inflight dinner and an inflight selection of movies and music, Ashley and Rachel both opting to watch Annie. I decided to watch Django which was difficult to do on a weak stomach, after taking my anti malarials at the wrong time of the day. Fortunately Katie, one of our leaders was on hand to offer me ginger snaps which cured me of my pains!

Poor David was separated from the team for both of the flights, but had later said he had a good time talking to the other passengers from different countries.

We landed in Addis right on time at 12.15am. After landing we made our way through the airport; changed some money into the local currency - Ethiopian Birr; went through customs and baggage claim- all without a hitch. We were then picked up by local Habitat staff and taken to our guest house, where we were assigned our rooms and went for some well earned slumber. 

Outside Addis Ababa airport awaiting pickup after 22 hours of travel.

Post by Harry Adair

Photo by Sam Stronge